Episcopal minister launches gay-friendly 'Queen James Bible'

“Queen James Bible” recently launched by San Francisco Episcopal minister as a gay-friendly alternative to the King James Bible.

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Benson Kua

There's a new edition of the Bible for gay Christians titled the Queen James Bible. Launched by San Francisco Episcopal minister Reverend J. Pearson of Holy Innocents Church, the edition aims to clarify Biblical views on homosexuality.

The editors of the Queen James Bible have revised passages of Scripture which say homosexuality is a sin. Says Pearson, "Homosexuality was first overtly mentioned in the Bible in 1946 in the Revised Standard Version. There is no mention of or reference to homosexuality in any Bible prior to this – only interpretations have been made."

According to Pearson, eight Biblical passages are commonly cited by those claiming the LGBT lifestyle is sinful. With the Queen James version, Pearson says Christians can “prevent homophobic misinterpretation of key verses.”

KJV: Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is an abomination.

QJV: Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind in the temple of Molech: it is an abomination. (Page 75)

Romans 1:27

KJV: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

QJV: Men with men working that which is pagan and unseemly. For this cause God gave the idolators up unto vile affections, receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. (Page 545)

1 Timothy 1:10

KJV: For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine.

QJV: For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine. (Page 575)

The King James edition is the most popular translation of the Bible. The editors of the Queen James Bible describe the language of the KGV as "poetic, traditional, and ceremonial."

This edition got its title from the nickname of King James I. It may surprise some Christians to learn that although married, King James was a known bisexual and dubbed "Queen James" by friends and members of his court because of his sexual relationships with men.

“The Queen James Bible was named in tribute to King James, for what he did for the Bible, and for living openly in gay relationships,” say the editors.